Patna:
A day after Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihar’s chief minister for the 10th time, attention has now shifted to the allocation of portfolios in the newly formed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government. The portfolios are expected to be announced today, according to senior JD(U) leaders.
Nitish Kumar, along with 26 ministers, was sworn in at a grand ceremony held at Gandhi Maidan, Patna, on Thursday. The event was attended by top national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and BJP president JP Nadda.
Who’s In Nitish Kumar’s New Cabinet?
The cabinet formation marks a strategic balance of caste, gender, and political representation.
Breakup of Ministers:
- 8 ministers from Janata Dal (United)
- 14 ministers from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
- 2 ministers from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas)
- 1 from Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular)
- 1 from Rashtriya Lok Morcha
A total of 24 ministers were sworn in after Nitish Kumar and his two deputies.
Three Women Ministers in the New Cabinet
Nitish Kumar’s cabinet includes three women, reflecting an attempt to bring more gender representation:
- Leshi Singh (JD(U)) – Former minister and returning face
- Shreyashi Singh (BJP) – Sworn in as a new entrant
- Rama Nishad (BJP) – Another first-time woman minister
Their inclusion highlights the growing importance of women leaders in Bihar’s political landscape.
One Muslim Face Retained
The only Muslim member in the new cabinet is:
- Zama Khan (JD(U)), MLA from Chainpur
He has been retained from Nitish Kumar’s previous team, making him the sole Muslim representative in this government.
Caste Composition of the Cabinet
The new council of ministers showcases a carefully structured caste balance — a crucial factor in Bihar politics.
Upper Caste Representation (8 ministers):
- 4 Rajputs
- 2 Bhumihars
- 1 Brahmin
- 1 Kayasth
OBC Representation:
- 3 Kushwaha
- 2 Kurmi
- 2 Vaishya
- 2 Yadav
This caste mix reflects the NDA’s attempt to maintain a broad social coalition.
More Berths to Be Filled
Nine cabinet berths still remain vacant. These will be filled later, bringing the total number of ministers to 36, which is the maximum allowed under constitutional provisions.
The official list of portfolio allocations is expected to be released today, which will determine the weightage and influence of each party within the coalition.
